USA´s Iberia Insiders since 1998

"Indulging Insider Adventures...Experience the Mediterranean"

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did… Explore. Dream. Discover.”

– Mark Twain

The Mediterranean jewels that are the Balearic islands include Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. The ambiance is one of timeless natural beauty of jagged mountain cliffs that fall to the turquoise sea, sweet-smelling citrus orchards, medieval villages, Gothic churches, baroque palaces of Palma, traditional fishing villages, secluded coves, vineyards and fine seafood.

Mediterranean Islands

The Mediterranean islands of Spain, the Balearic Islands are like Iberia quite diverse. They are located to the east of Valencia between Spain and Italy, the four chief Balearic islands maintain a character distinct from the rest of Spain and from each other.

The largest of the Balearic islands, Mallorca (Majorca in the UK) offers a bit of everything including dramatic coastlines, historic and urban charms of capital city of Palma, a lush countryside with vineyards, beautiful orange and olive tree terraced hills, medieval villages and trails that arrive to the sea.

Like many popular beautiful islands of the world, there are a few areas that are overbuilt. That said there are ample reasons to enjoy Mallorca if you wan t a dose of Mediterranean good life. Since we know Mallorca so well we can help you enjoy the experience that you desire including sailing to hidden coves to enjoy a picnic or scuba diving from your chartered private yacht with your own skipper and crew. Then the is Mallorca´s quite beautiful mountains near the coast, the Sierra de Tramuntana. This is now listed as a World Heritage Site in part due to the amazing fruit producing terraced gardens that have been in place for centuries. There are amazing hiking trails also. Deia is one of the finest towns of Mallorca and offers amazing views and ambiance in a compact area. Of course there are Med beaches, nautical sports and coves.

Menorca and Formentera are the opposite of Ibiza with a more natural, down to earth and relaxed ambiance + some very big enigmas! The 2nd largest Balearic island, Menorca is the least developed of the Balearics. So it´s mostly a rural island with fields and rolling hills filling out the interior. But the charming old town of Cuitadella offers amazing old mansions and lanes for a historic-minded walk. So yes Menorca is much more than beaches and nature, there are prehistoric monuments, that show evidence of a sophisticated culture. Mysterious talayots rock mounds are often thought to have been watchtowers but this is not yet resolved. Then there are the 4 meter-high megalithic taulas,

huge stones topped with another to form a T. These are unique to Menorca and again another mystery as to the origin. These huge stone have no clear function (to 21st century eyes at least). These Menocar megalithic stones are found alongside a talayots in many cases. So let us know what you think when you see them OK?

Tiny Formentera is well preserved and has perhaps even better beaches than Menorca – but offers very little of cultural interest and no mysteries. There are also a handful of tiny pocket islands to explore by sea including Cabrera Island and Sa Dragonera for the true island lover!

Ibiza is the place for innovative clubbing with some glam and glitz. No doubt this is often an island of excess during the season. But despite recent development it remains largely beautiful with stunning cove beaches and thick pine forests. Nevertheless, it is the visitors and the resident who make it unique.

In Ibiza do not miss the UNESCO listed Dalt Vila, an exotic souk-like walled historic town. Ibiza has long been a magnet for hedonistic characters and wealthy bohemians. But to their credit, whether it is Paris Hilton, Johnny Depp or Scarlet Johansen, the locals remain determinedly blasé about the try-harder-fashionistas or celebrities who may or may not need to visit with Dr Drew.

Balearic Islands summary: Despite some over development, Spain is rightly proud of these Mediterranean jewels that are the Balearic islands. This is because they have mostly preserved much of their intrinsic ambiance and beauty of medieval cathedrals, traditional fishing villages, secluded coves, and more. The very Spanish theme of contrast of the modern and the historic is evident here over and over: cosmopolitan restaurants, trendy bars, historic character hotels + the Stone Age ruins, artist and artisans, orange, lemon, almond and olive groves. All this and more is yours without stress on your 100% personalized Spain trip for successful folks who deserve more than mass market.